Skin Tags

[PickyPants40]

I seem to be developing a clutch of these annoying beasties around my neck line. Does anyone know what causes them? I pull the small ones off - is this a bad thing? Does it encourage more of them to grow?! Is it a sign of my age? (I'm 41)

I just thought - i've changed from wearing a vest style top to a t-shirt to sleep in - might it be the t-shirt rubbing on my neck that's causing them?

I've no idea. I'm 36 and I'm developing loads of the wretched things since having children, do you think it is hormone related at all. They are round my neck breasts and torso, I noticed my mother had more of them in places that were never exposed to the sun but that is not a very scientific observation. My MIL has them lasered.

They're usually caused (I think) by the HPV virus. No, I'm not suggesting you've picked up some STD (!), but my understanding is that 90% of papillomas & warts are caused by this, and most of us have managed to pick up this virus at some point.

Maybe you could ask a pharmacist next time you're in if there's anything available to treat them.

I once had really bad warts on my thumb and forefinger - so it could be connected to that? I think if you've had warts once, you will always have the virus. I just don't want them getting worse!!